Our Wheelchair Service supports you or your child if a long‑term physical disability means a wheelchair is needed for everyday mobility. We provide assessments, wheelchairs and seating equipment to help you move safely, comfortably and independently.

Who we support

• Children aged 3 and over, and younger children if they need specialist seating
• Young people and adults who need a permanent wheelchair because of a medical condition
• People already using NHS wheelchairs who need a review or reassessment

You must be registered with a Bolton GP to access the service.

What we do

After you are referred, we will invite you to an assessment to understand your mobility needs and what is important to you.

Depending on the outcome, we may provide:

• Manual or powered wheelchairs
• Specialist seating
• Pressure‑relieving cushions
• Bespoke adjustments if you have more complex needs

Our aim is to help you stay comfortable, protect your posture, and support your independence at home, school, work or in the community.

We run clinics across Bolton, and can arrange home, school or workplace visits when needed.

Referrals and appointments

You can be referred by your GP, consultant, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, social care professional or an accredited wheelchair therapist.

If you already use an NHS wheelchair, you can contact us directly for a review.

Once we receive your referral:

• You will be booked into a clinic for an assessment
• Standard equipment is often available to take home the same day
• Specialist items may need to be ordered, and we will invite you back when they arrive (anything about waiting times here?)

Re‑referrals can be made by phone, email or letter.

During your assessment

We will look at:

• Your posture, movement and comfort
• How you manage daily tasks
• The places you use your wheelchair (home, school, work, community)
• Your ability to safely use a manual or powered chair

Together, we will agree the most suitable equipment. We will also show you and anyone who supports you how to use it safely.

Personal Wheelchair Budgets

You may be offered a Personal Wheelchair Budget (PWB), giving you options about the type of wheelchair you receive. This will be discussed with you at your assessment.

Ongoing support

We will:

• Explain how repairs and maintenance work
• Support you to request a reassessment if your needs change
• Work with other teams (school, therapists, housing) to make sure your environment is safe and accessible